LOS ANGELES - Two brothers, both cops, were convicted of stealing drugs from criminals under the pretense of law enforcement operations. Former LAPD Officer William Ferguson and former Long Beach police Officer Joseph Ferguson conspired to violate their victims' civil rights and conspired to possess narcotics with intent to distribute them, a federal jury found. The Fergusons are the 16th and 17th convicted in the cops' drug-theft ring.
William Fergusonfaces up to life in prison and Joseph up to 40 years at their April 21 sentencing.
William Ferguson also was convicted of other drug, gun and civil rights violations. The jury could not agree on verdicts on 18 counts, the District Attorney's office said.
Fifteen other defendants - including other LAPD cops and a state prison officer - have pleaded guilty in the conspiracy. The criminal gang committed at least 40 burglaries and robberies from 1999 through June 2001.
Former LAPD Officer Ruben Palomares, who organized the ring and was arrested during a drug deal in San Diego, will be sentenced on March 17.
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